For me, I stopped taking them because I felt ashamed and believed I was "cured."

I come from a loving family, but their view on mental illness is very flawed. Every time I was released the hospital with a prescription for meds, my mother would immediately tell me to throw them out or don't take them. She would question me daily if I took it and if I happily responded "yes," she'd look so disappointed. Both of my parents would constantly tell me that I was completely fine if I could just push myself to get over my issues. If I ever took them in front of my younger siblings, they would stare at me and question, "Why do you even take them? Do they actually do anything? I don't think you need them."

I felt incredibly embarrassed and even started to question myself. I started to believe that they were right; there's nothing wrong with me, so I'd throw them out and relapse right back into hospitals. That was the cycle throughout most of my teen years.

Now that I'm thinking back on this, I deeply regret trying to fit it with my family's views. I plan on getting back on meds but this time, I'll hide in my room or the bathroom while taking it if I have to.